Watch Morning Sun

Morning Sun is a poignant documentary film that provides a vivid and engaging narrative about China’s Cultural Revolution from the 1960s to the 1970s. Directed by Carma Hinton and Richard Gordon, the film brings to life the dramatic social upheavals of that era and offers a clear and balanced perspective on the impact of this period on China’s future.

The movie combines archival footage, still photographs, and interviews with people who lived through the Cultural Revolution to tell the story of China’s political and social transformation. The documentary is structured around the experiences of three people who were profoundly affected by the Cultural Revolution: Jung Chang, who became a writer and author of Wild Swans; Han Dongfang, a labor protester and founder of the China Labour Bulletin; and Wang Xiaoti, an artist who was a member of the Red Guards.

The film interweaves these personal stories with historical analyses of Mao Zedong’s cultural and political campaign, which aimed to unleash a “Great Proletarian Revolution” to transform China. The filmmakers rely on the testimony of people who lived through this era and on primary sources, including propaganda posters, artwork, and speeches, to provide viewers with insight into Mao’s goals and the ways in which individuals and collectives responded.

The film convincingly argues that the Cultural Revolution was a violent and dark period that severely impacted many people. It shows that Mao’s purges, mass mobilizations and campaigns led to widespread violence, chaos, and terror. The film’s interviewees speak about their struggles, fears, and losses, but they also share their resilience, courage, and hope. In particular, Han Dongfang’s recollections of his imprisonment and torture by the Chinese authorities bring to life the cruel realities of the regime’s repression.

Morning Sun also explores the ways in which artists and intellectuals responded to Mao’s regime. The film shows the destruction of historical monuments, such as the ancient city walls of Beijing, and how art, literature, and music were suppressed unless they met strict ideological criteria. But it also highlights the stories of those who resisted or used their creativity to challenge totalitarianism. For example, Wang Xiaoti created posters and artwork that subtly criticized the regime and that later became celebrated for their inventive style.

The documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in modern Chinese history, particularly the Cultural Revolution. The film provides an empathetic and nuanced portrayal of a complex and tumultuous period that still reverberates in Chinese society today. The use of original footage and interviews with people who lived through the Cultural Revolution makes the film an engaging and gripping document of this era.

Overall, Morning Sun is a thought-provoking and informative film that successfully portrays the legacy of China’s Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. The cinematography and editing serve to reinforce the message that the lessons of this dark period of Chinese history should not be forgotten. The narrative is moving and heartbreaking, without being sensationalist or overly emotional. Above all, this documentary stands up as an accurate depiction of China's political and social past that will enlighten any viewers who wish to learn more about this period.

Morning Sun is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 76.